- Jack and his mom go down to Alkai point, where they watch a mock naval battle between the local fraternal societies.
- There, they meet two men, Gil and Judd, who take an interest in Jack's mom.
- Jack doesn't trust them, but is seduced into heading over to their house with Mom; lunch is promised.
- At Gil and Judd's home, Gil asks Jack what he likes to do. Jack says he likes to ride bikes, but that he doesn't own one.
- Under pressure from the men, Mom reluctantly admits that they can't afford a bike for him.
- Gil promises to buy Jack a new high-end bike model, despite the fact that Jack's mom is still upset about it.
- Mom agrees to go on a date with Gil. The other women in the boardinghouse make a big deal out of her date.
- Big deal aborted. Mom comes home crying. Jack holds her and says sweet things until she goes to sleep.
- The next morning, Jack asks about the bike. She doesn't answer and he never asks again.